Advanced Specialist, Project Manager
Advanced Specialist, Project Manager

Advanced Specialist, Project Manager

Full-Time 55000 - 65000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Pearson Education

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead exciting projects in English language assessment and product development.
  • Company: Join a global leader in English language learning with a mission to empower learners.
  • Benefits: Flexible working hours, hybrid options, and opportunities for international travel.
  • Other info: Collaborate with diverse teams and government agencies in a dynamic environment.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on learners worldwide while developing innovative testing products.
  • Qualifications: Proven project management experience and strong leadership skills required.

The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.

In the English Language Learning business unit, we aspire to become the world's leading destination to learn and prove English language skills. Our main focus is on committed learners from around the world, who are motivated by outcomes because they want to reach their full potential through learning English.

You'll join the team responsible for one of our key established products -- Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic, known globally in Higher Education and as a recognised test for immigration and visa purposes - as well as innovative new tests, such as PTE Express.

The opportunity We are seeking an experienced and versatile Project Manager whose main focus will be to support the development of existing testing and assessment products, as well as bringing further new products to market. The role will also involve supporting the management of our relationships with government agencies, e.g. UK Home Office, Department of Home Affairs (Australia) and the IRCC (Canada).

Working with senior stakeholders, product owners, technical specialists, other project managers, as well as client-facing teams, the role-holder will also assume responsibility for additional projects that develop or maintain our licences to operate/compete and ensure our regulatory and legal compliance.

You will be:

  • an effective and assured Project Manager with excellent project management skills and strong leadership qualities
  • comfortable working in a complex, global, matrix stakeholder environment, working across time-zones and different organisational units
  • an expert, qualified Project Manager (e.g. PMI/PMP/PRINCE2 Practitioner, PRINCE2 Agile Practitioner (or equivalent)) qualified, with significant, proven experience of successful project delivery and embedding change with customers and internal teams
  • knowledgeable (or qualified) in the management of Agile, lean, rapid product prototyping, etc. techniques, as well as comfortable in governance-led project management activities in regulated environments

The role-holder will additionally:

  • have a strong governance mindset, able to run meetings and effectively communicate with a wide variety of project stakeholders
  • exhibit flexibility, with strong prioritisation and negotiation skills
  • be able to respond quickly to manage emerging risks and issues and be comfortable managing ambiguity in evolving delivery contexts
  • be used to managing project budgets and developing business cases

Demonstrable experience of working with government agencies in the UK or in Australia, Canada, New Zealand is highly desirable, but equivalent experience will be considered. Experience of working in a testing/assessment/education environment would also be strongly advantageous.

The role-holder will report to the Lead (Program Management) role-holder and will also be expected to work seamlessly with the 5-6 member team of Project Managers/specialists that also work within the Quality & Projects team within the Assessments unit on other projects and special assignments.

Working with Us

  • Department: English Language Learning - Product (Assessment)
  • Working Pattern: 37.5 hours per week, with flexibility to support global collaboration
  • Location: UK (London preferred / Hybrid); occasional international travel may be required

Advanced Specialist, Project Manager employer: Pearson Education

At Pearson, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through continuous professional development opportunities and the chance to work on impactful projects that shape the future of English language learning. Located in London, our hybrid working model provides flexibility while allowing you to engage with a diverse team dedicated to making a difference in education globally.
Pearson Education

Contact Detail:

Pearson Education Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Advanced Specialist, Project Manager

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products, especially the PTE Academic. Show that you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your passion for English language learning and how you can contribute to their mission.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your project management skills in mock scenarios. Think about how you would handle complex stakeholder environments or manage risks. This will help you feel more confident when discussing your experience during interviews.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at StudySmarter.

We think you need these skills to ace Advanced Specialist, Project Manager

Project Management
Leadership Skills
Stakeholder Management
Agile Methodologies
Governance in Project Management
Risk Management
Budget Management
Negotiation Skills
Communication Skills
Flexibility
Prioritisation Skills
Experience with Government Agencies
Knowledge of Testing and Assessment Environments
Change Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Project Manager role. Highlight your project management skills and any relevant experience with government agencies or in the education sector. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about English language learning and how you can contribute to our team. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your personality come through!

Showcase Your Qualifications: Don’t forget to mention your qualifications, like PMI, PMP, or PRINCE2. We’re looking for someone who’s not just experienced but also certified. Make sure these stand out in your application!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!

How to prepare for a job interview at Pearson Education

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you’re well-versed in the Pearson Test of English (PTE) and its significance in the education and immigration sectors. Brush up on the latest trends in English language assessment and be ready to discuss how your project management experience aligns with these developments.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples that highlight your leadership qualities and project management skills. Think about times when you successfully led a team through complex projects, especially in regulated environments. Be ready to discuss how you managed stakeholder relationships and navigated challenges.

✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Agility

Given the dynamic nature of the role, be prepared to talk about how you handle ambiguity and adapt to changing circumstances. Share specific instances where you had to pivot quickly in response to emerging risks or issues, showcasing your problem-solving abilities.

✨Engage with Stakeholders

Since the role involves working with various stakeholders, practice articulating how you communicate effectively across different levels. Prepare to discuss your experience with government agencies and how you’ve built strong relationships in previous roles, particularly in the UK, Australia, or Canada.

Advanced Specialist, Project Manager
Pearson Education

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